If South Korea's president is suspected of violating the constitution or other laws, the National Assembly can propose an impeachment motion with the support of a majority of members.

The motion goes to a vote 24 to 72 hours after the speaker of the assembly reports it to a plenary session.

It requires the approval of at least two thirds of members to pass, in which case the president is suspended from office.

The Constitutional Court then has 180 days to hand down a final ruling on whether the president should be impeached.

If six or more of the nine justices rule in favor of impeachment, the president is removed, and a presidential election is held within 60 days.